Five Years Later
It was past midnight when the doorbell rang again and again. Yuwon stirred from sleep, his eyes blinking open slowly. Still drowsy, he got out of bed and shuffled toward the door, rubbing his eyes as he opened it.
Lee Jiha stood outside with a bright smile, holding a small cake box.
Jiha: "Surprise! Yuwon, happy birthday!"
Yuwon blinked, surprised and touched.
Yuwon: "Jiha… You remembered?"
Jiha: "How could I forget? Now come on, let's cut the cake."
They moved to the couch. Jiha lit a single candle and placed the cake on the table.
Jiha: "Alright, make a wish first before you blow it out!"
Yuwon hesitated for a moment. Then, he quietly closed his eyes and made a wish in his heart.
Jiha (smiling): "What did you wish for?"
Yuwon (softly): "It's a secret."
He blew out the candle and cut the cake. Jiha stood up cheerfully.
Jiha: "Wait, let me grab some wine. I'll get glasses from the kitchen."
Yuwon: "Okay."
As Jiha disappeared into the kitchen, Yuwon sat in silence, his fingers tightening slightly around the knife. His eyes welled up with tears, and before he could stop himself, memories from the past flooded in.
It had been six months after Tae left when Yuwon's older brother got married. After the wedding, their parents started pressuring Yuwon to marry too.
But everything changed when the truth came out.
They found out Yuwon was gay.
His father was shocked—no, horrified. The warmth in his eyes disappeared overnight. He began to despise Yuwon, refusing to let him near his older brother's newborn baby.
And one day, without warning, he finally said it.
"Leave this house. I don't want someone like you around my family."
Yuwon had no choice. He packed up quietly and left the home where he'd grown up. Since then, he lived alone. Even when he tried to visit his mother, his father made sure he wasn't welcome.
Back in the present, Jiha returned and sat beside him, pouring the wine into two glasses. She handed one to Yuwon.
Jiha: "Let's drink."
Yuwon wiped his eyes, took a shaky breath, and pushed the memories away. He raised his glass.
Yuwon: "Thanks, Jiha. You're my best friend. I love you."
Jiha (smiling warmly): "I love you too, hyy… Wait—are you crying?"
She immediately reached over, wrapping him in a warm hug.
Jiha (softly): "It's okay. I'm with you."
After a long night of celebration, Jiha stood up a little unsteady, clearly tipsy from the wine.
Jiha (grinning): "Okay, Yuwon, I should get going now."
Yuwon (concerned): "Jiha, you're drunk. Just stay here tonight."
Jiha (waving her hand): "Don't worry. My boyfriend's coming to pick me up."
She walked over and gently held Yuwon's hand, her eyes soft but firm.
Jiha: "Yuwon, it's time to move on. You're 29 now… You should be in a relationship."
Yuwon looked down, his voice quiet.
Yuwon: "It's not that easy…"
Jiha: "I know. But listen… I can tell Manager Min likes you."
Yuwon's eyes shifted, unsure.
Yuwon: "It's not like that."
Jiha: "Yes, it is. He likes you, Yuwon. You should see the way he looks at you, the way he talks to you. You just keep ignoring the signs."
She gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
Jiha: "Open your heart. Give someone a chance—like Manager Min. You don't have to be alone forever. And maybe then… you'll finally be able to let go of the past."
Yuwon slowly nodded, though his heart still felt heavy.
Jiha (smiling): "Good. That's what I wanted to hear. Now, bye bye! See you at the office!"
With that, she headed out, leaving the house with a cheerful wave. Yuwon walked her to the door, watching her figure fade into the night.
Now alone on the doorstep, he stood there in silence. The air was cool and quiet, but his mind wasn't.
Memories of the past crept in.
The night he had spent with Tae… The warmth, the closeness.
Yuwon looked up at the starless sky, his heart aching with loneliness.
Yuwon stood silently at the doorstep, his gaze lost in the night.
Yuwon (muttering to himself): "Does Tae still remember me… or has he already forgotten?"
His eyes dropped to the ground as a bitter sigh escaped his lips.
Yuwon: "Of course he hates you… He probably never wants to see your face again, Yuwon."
He turned around and shut the door softly behind him. The house was quiet—too quiet. Just him… and the weight of his past.
---
The Next Morning
Yuwon arrived at the office, carrying the same tired expression he always wore. Jiha was already at her desk. As soon as she saw him, she perked up.
Jiha: "Hey, Yuwon!"
He offered a soft smile and sat down beside her.
Yuwon: "Morning."
Jiha: "How are you feeling now?"
Yuwon (nods): "I'm good."
Just then, Manager Min walked in, his usual calm expression on his face.
Manager Min: "Good morning, Jiha. Yuwon."
Both Jiha and Yuwon stood up and bowed respectfully.
Yuwon and Jiha: "Good morning, Manager Min."
Manager Min turned to Yuwon with a small smile and held out a gift-wrapped box.
Manager Min: "Happy birthday, Yuwon. I know it's a little late, but… here."
Yuwon forced a polite smile and accepted it with both hands.
Yuwon: "Thank you, Manager Min."
Manager Min: "How about dinner tonight? My treat."
Before Yuwon could say anything, Jiha jumped in excitedly.
Jiha: "That's a great idea! You two go ahead—I have other plans tonight."
She gave Yuwon a very obvious wink.
Yuwon's eyes widened a little in surprise. Manager Min didn't seem to notice and just smiled.
Manager Min: "Alright, then it's settled."
He turned and walked away. Jiha and Yuwon bowed again as he left.
Yuwon turned to her, slightly panicked.
Yuwon (whispering): "What are you doing, Jiha?"
Jiha (grinning): "Helping my best friend finally get a boyfriend."
Yuwon (sighing): "Jiha…"
Jiha: "Come on! He gave you a gift, Yuwon. That means something. Manager Min definitely likes you."
She nudged his shoulder playfully.
Jiha: "Finally… my friend's going to find love...
Yuwon let out a deep sigh and slumped into his chair, unsure of what to feel.